For many entrepreneurs, owning a business is about building something that lasts. At Clear Pest Pros, that philosophy shapes how the brand supports franchise owners from their first day in business through every stage of growth. By Shelby Green
The leading carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise reveals best practices to address everyday messes, all while safeguarding carpet’s integrity
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — From a child spilling food and drink to a beloved pet having an indoor accident, household carpeting can endure significant daily wear. Chem-Dry®, the carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise leader, shares professional-level tips and suggestions for keeping carpeting looking and smelling like new, all while preserving its longevity.
Carpets naturally trap and absorb dirt and moisture, which means they can gradually accrue unpleasant odors or discoloration. Not only does this compromise carpet aesthetics, it can also lead to premature deterioration. To safeguard carpet fibers, it’s important for homeowners to pay prompt attention to spills and other everyday messes, and to be vigilant about regular carpet maintenance.
“Homeowners may not realize how much lasting impact spills and stains can have, shortening the carpet’s lifespan,” said Ed Quinlan, president of Chem-Dry. “To protect your carpeting investment, little things like blotting spills immediately and using the right cleaning methods can be huge difference makers.”
Stains caused by pets or simple household accidents can be especially challenging. Some best practices include:
Routine carpet care is also essential. Regular vacuuming, ideally twice a week or more, can help remove dirt, debris and pet hair before they become too deeply embedded in the carpeting. Quarterly upkeep from a professional carpet cleaning company can provide an even deeper refresh, further protecting the homeowner’s investment in their carpeting.
“Carpeting is made to endure a lot of everyday wear, and to last for many years,” said Quinlan. “The right response to everyday spills and stains can help lengthen that timeline.”
Chem-Dry has more than 1,000 franchise locations worldwide. The company provides professional-grade cleaning services for both residential and commercial customers.
For more information about Chem-Dry, visit www.chemdry.com.
About Chem-Dry
Founded in 1977, Chem-Dry has built the largest and most trusted carpet cleaning brand in the country, with a network spanning 25 countries and over 1,000 locations worldwide. The company’s core cleaning solution and proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction cleaning process provide a deep clean, and allow surfaces to dry faster than traditional steam cleaning. Chem-Dry is part of the BELFOR Franchise Group family of 15 residential and commercial services brands. For more information about Chem-Dry and to find a local operator, visit www.chemdry.com, or for more information on franchise opportunities, visit www.chemdryfranchise.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering industry-leading training, support and equipment, turnkey business models, and ongoing coaching and business development. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization of 15 of the strongest service-based franchise opportunities for home and commercial cleaning and restoration. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, please visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
The mission of Clear Pest Pros is clear and simple: to take care of pest problems for homeowners and businesses, delivering high-quality pest control solutions that eliminate pests at the source and mitigate their return. Whether you’re an experienced pest control professional or an aspiring business owner looking to enter the market for the first time, the brand promises a strong investment opportunity and an in-demand service. By Jessica Petrucelli
Annual awards honor trailblazers who provide inspiration and leadership within their respective fields
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Beth Toenies, vice president of franchise development for BELFOR Franchise Group, has been recognized as a 2025 Woman of Inspiration™ by the Universal Womens Network™. The award honors exceptional women across North America who lead, inspire and motivate others through their professional and personal achievements. A ceremony, held in Toronto, brought together women from numerous industries, celebrating their accomplishments and their impact.
Nominated by BELFOR managers in both the United States and Canada, Toenies joins an elite group of honorees representing diverse industries, from executives and entrepreneurs to creators, athletes and business leaders, all of whom exemplify resilience, innovation and leadership.
“Franchising is such an empowering path for women; it opens doors to leadership, growth and the chance to truly make a difference,” said Toenies. “BELFOR Franchise Group continues to champion opportunities for women in franchising, helping entrepreneurs across North America build sustainable, community-focused businesses. This award reflects that spirit, and attests to the potential for women to lead and succeed in the franchising space. Of course, many men are broadly supportive of this focus, as well.”
With over two decades of experience in franchise development and leadership, Toenies is a Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Project Manager whose accomplishments continue to elevate the franchising community. Her recent accolades include being named a 2025 American Business Awards Bronze Stevie® Winner for Woman of the Year – Business Services, a 2023 Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Construction and Civil Works (2025) by Women We Admire.
“Beth’s leadership and passion for empowering others have made a lasting impact across our organization,” said Doug Smith, senior vice president of franchise development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “She exemplifies the values we strive to uphold every day, always serving others and creating platforms for their success.”
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, with decades of experience empowering aspiring business owners to create resilient companies. Their brand portfolio encompasses fields as diverse as contents restoration, pest control, drywall repair and plumbing.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
For more information about the Women of Inspiration awards, visit
https://universalwomensnetwork.com/women-inspiration.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
Chem-Dry, HOODZ, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, N-Hance, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and DUCTZ honored for
national, systemwide sales
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, announces that six of its brands have been recognized on the Franchise Times Top 400® list for 2025. The honored brands include Chem-Dry, HOODZ, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, N-Hance, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and DUCTZ.
The Franchise Times Top 400® is an exclusive annual ranking of the largest U.S.-based franchise systems, determined by global systemwide sales and compiled through an extensive research and reporting process.
This year’s recognition marks the second consecutive year that six BELFOR Franchise Group brands have earned a place among the nation’s top-performing franchise systems, highlighting the group’s consistent growth and leadership in the home service industry.
“Our brands continue to set the standard in their respective industries by delivering service excellence, professionalism and reliability,” said D’Wayne Tanner and Beth Toenies, Vice Presidents of Franchise Development. “Repeat recognition on this list affirms that our franchise family is meeting real needs, not only for consumers but for entrepreneurs seeking a supportive franchise environment.”
The community of franchises at BELFOR Franchise Group brings together a portfolio of established and growing brands that serve both residential and commercial markets with essential services. Its franchise platform equips aspiring business owners with the tools to get started confidently — offering comprehensive training, ongoing operational guidance and a suite of marketing resources designed to enable long-term success.
“From our hands-on training facilities to our internal marketing solutions, we aim to empower our franchisees with the guidance needed to grow at their own pace,” Tanner and Toenies explained. “Our ongoing, dedicated support provides the foundation for the strong performance seen across our franchise network year-after-year.”
For the complete Franchise Times Top 400 list, visit https://www.franchisetimes.com/top-400-2025.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
The industry veteran will maintain her concurrent role as Chief Operating Officer for 1-800-BOARDUP
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, has announced the promotion of Beth Toenies to Vice President of Franchise Development. In this expanded role, she will lead operational strategy, strengthen franchise support and drive the continued growth of 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz and DUCTZ, as well as the broader portfolio of service brands within BELFOR Franchise Group.
Toenies currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of 1-800-BOARDUP, a disaster recovery brand within BELFOR Franchise Group that specializes in securing properties and providing critical resources to victims rebuilding after a loss. She will continue in this capacity while also assuming her expanded role within BELFOR Franchise Group.
“Beth has consistently demonstrated loyalty, leadership and vision,” said Doug Smith, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “Her expertise in operations, sales and strategic planning will make her an invaluable partner to our development team and franchise prospects as we continue to expand and strengthen our brands.”
As Vice President of Franchise Development, Toenies will drive greater efficiencies in franchise lead generation and development, while working closely with her counterparts and brand presidents to establish frameworks that drive long-term, sustainable growth.
With more than two decades of franchise leadership experience, Toenies is also a Six Sigma Black Belt and a Certified Project Manager. Her achievements have been widely recognized: She is the 2025 American Business Awards Bronze Stevie Winner for Woman of the Year – Business Services, a 2023 Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree and was recently named among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Construction and Civil Works (2025) by Women We Admire.
“At BELFOR Franchise Group, we’ve built an incredible reputation for empowering entrepreneurs across the residential and commercial service industries,” said Toenies. “In taking on these new responsibilities, I look forward to working closely with our experienced franchise development team in connecting with the right candidates and demonstrating how our trusted service brands can enable them to take control of their future through franchise ownership.”
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Toenies is a dedicated military spouse. Married to an active-duty Navy member, she was honored in 2022 as the Naval Air Station Jacksonville Military Spouse of the Year by Armed Forces Insurance.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
A top residential and commercial services franchisor highlights significant expansion for its full-service plumbing brand
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, announces significant growth for Z PLUMBERZ, its flagship full-service plumbing, sewer and drain cleaning franchise brand.
Z PLUMBERZ has quickly earned a reputation for professionalism, transparency and outstanding customer experiences. From its humble beginnings in the Midwest, the brand has expanded rapidly—launching over 16 new franchise territories in 2025 alone, with owners now serving the Pacific Northwest, New England, Midwest and Southeast.
“The growth Z PLUMBERZ has experienced demonstrates the ongoing demand for reliable, trusted plumbing professionals—a demand that often remains strong regardless of broader economic conditions,” said Doug Smith, SVP of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “Our franchise system empowers both independent plumbers and aspiring entrepreneurs to seize this demand, backed by a robust business model, centralized training programs and ongoing coaching.”
The incredible momentum behind Z PLUMBERZ also shows the brand’s commitment to reliability and consistency. “We help homeowners understand their plumbing issues and the reasons that the repairs are necessary,” said licensed plumber Matt O’Rourke, Founder and Brand President at Z PLUMBERZ. “Instead of quick fixes, we offer solutions that improve system efficiency and elevate the entire customer experience.”
For entrepreneurs seeking a resilient franchise model or independent trades professionals wanting a clear path to long-term growth, Z PLUMBERZ is searching for motivated individuals to join their franchise family and fill prime markets across the United States.
For additional information or to connect with the Z PLUMBERZ franchise team, visit zplumberzfranchise.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, their franchise brands have empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and ongoing business coaching to help local owners succeed. As the parent organization to a diverse portfolio of service-based franchises, BELFOR Franchise Group provides opportunities across home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
A top residential and commercial services franchisor onboards new franchise owners for their climate-controlled portable storage franchise.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, announces the expansion of its COOL-BINZ franchise, bringing premium mobile storage solutions to four additional markets throughout the Southeast.
Since welcoming its first franchise owner in Athens, Georgia last year, COOL-BINZ has continued to expand its presence in 2025. The brand is now offering its premium climate-controlled portable storage solutions to more communities, with new franchise owners launching in Charlotte, North Carolina and the Bentonville–Fayetteville area of northwest Arkansas.
COOL-BINZ owners can offer a wide range of services, including traditional drive-up storage, climate-controlled units, mobile offices and specialty options such as refrigeration and freezer units, concession stands and custom retail or workstation setups. With all these options, franchisees can serve a mix of customer needs while tapping into multiple revenue streams across both standard and specialized storage segments.
“Our family of brands at BELFOR Franchise Group continue to spark interest with entrepreneurs exploring the resiliency of service-based franchise opportunities,” said Doug Smith, SVP of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “Our brand support teams and seasoned business coaches provide comprehensive training programs and established operational systems to guide new franchisees through their launch while helping established owners scale their operations.”
For additional information about the franchise opportunities available with COOL-BINZ, visit coolbinzfranchise.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering strong business models, industry-leading training, and continuous business coaching to help local owners succeed. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization to a portfolio of service-based franchise opportunities in the home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, Clear Pest Pros, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, Helpful Heroes, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
After disaster strikes, Blue Kangaroo™ Packoutz swoops in as a trusted provider of full-scale contents cleaning and restoration. Backed by BELFOR Franchise Group, the company operates in a national framework that supports franchisees with high-level training. By Lizzy Yeserski
The Patch Boys, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, redbox+ Dumpsters, Chem-Dry and 1-800 WATER DAMAGE recognized in annual rankings
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Five brands within BELFOR Franchise Group, a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor, have been named to Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, the foremost annual ranking of franchise opportunities.
The 2025 edition of the Franchise 500® list names The Patch Boys, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, redbox+ Dumpsters, Chem-Dry, and 1-800 WATER DAMAGE among the top options for prospective franchise owners, recognizing strong brand identity, financial stability and overall unit growth.
“For more than 46 years, the Franchise 500® has been our industry’s gold standard, so it’s an honor to see five BELFOR Franchise Group brands recognized in this year’s rankings,” said Doug Smith, SVP of Franchise Development at BELFOR Franchise Group. “Our goal is to empower franchisees with industry-leading training and support that foster long-term success, enabling them to pursue their dreams of business ownership. It’s rewarding to see this mission recognized in the annual Franchise 500® rankings.”
Over the last several decades, Entrepreneur’s editorial team has employed an increasingly sophisticated formula to evaluate and rank the most promising opportunities for potential franchisees, assessing franchise brands according to factors such as brand strength, financial security, size and growth and costs and fees. The Franchise 500® list is not only a benchmark for competitiveness among franchisors, but an important research tool for those who aspire to operate franchises of their own.
The leadership and support teams at BELFOR Franchise Group recognize that investing in a franchise and becoming a business owner is a major life decision that demands thoughtful consideration. Their franchise network and systems are tailored to support driven individuals at every stage of their franchise ownership journey.
To see the full list of rankings, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 or pick up a copy of the January/February 2025 issue of Entrepreneur on newsstands now.
For more information about BELFOR Franchise Group and the franchise opportunities available in your area, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.
About BELFOR Franchise Group
BELFOR Franchise Group is a leading global residential and commercial services franchisor. For decades, BELFOR Franchise Group has empowered entrepreneurs by offering industry-leading training, support and equipment, proven business models, and ongoing coaching and business development. BELFOR Franchise Group is the parent organization to 14 reputable service-based franchise opportunities in the home services, commercial cleaning, and restoration industries. The franchise brands include 1-800-BOARDUP, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, Blue Kangaroo Packoutz, Chem-Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, COOL-BINZ, DUCTZ, HOODZ, JUNKCO+, N-Hance Wood Refinishing, The Patch Boys, redbox+ Dumpsters, Clear Pest Pros, WINMAR, and Z PLUMBERZ. For more information, visit belforfranchisegroup.com.